DRINK-RELATED crimes have soared on ScotRail trains since a drink ban was introduced.

They were up 54 per cent in the six months to April.

And there were 15 violent assaults – up from 10 – and two sex offences.

Figures released by British Transport Police under freedom of information revealed they recorded 71 alcohol-related crimes between November last year and April. That compared with 46 during the same period a year earlier.

The number of incidents BTP officers dealt with on ScotRail trains – not necessarily involving alcohol – increased by six per cent, from 5278 in 2011-12 to 5604 in 2012-13. The booze ban, launched in July last year, was supposed to help curb anti-social behaviour.

Mike Hewitson, of watchdog Passenger Focus, said: “Although some of these figures could be explained by greater reporting, it is worrying to see any increase in behaviour that makes passengers feel threatened.

“As awareness of the ban grows, we’d hope to see behaviour changing and these numbers decreasing.”

ScotRail said: “We have always recognised it will take time to change ingrained behaviours, and we remain committed to our long-term objectives to ensure customers travel in a pleasant environment.”